Siltrax is claiming a breakthrough in fuel cell technology with testing by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) showing its silicon-based technology outperforms and outlasts traditional materials, providing a low-cost alternative for next-generation green hydrogen systems.
Hydrogen fuel cells are emerging as a promising clean energy solution for sectors that are difficult to electrify like heavy transport, shipping and aviation. However, improving their performance and durability remains a key challenge. One critical component is the bipolar plate, a thin panel inside the fuel cell that conducts electricity and helps manage the flow of gases, water and heat. Conventional metal plates can corrode over time and often require costly protective coatings, while graphite plates are heavy and brittle.
Sydney-based Siltrax’s novel hydrogen fuel cell technology utilises silicon to produce ultra-thin bipolar plates designed to improve both performance and longevity.
Laboratory testing, conducted by Dr Quentin Meyer and Laureate Professor Chuan Zhao from the UNSW School of Chemistry’s NanoElectroChemistry Lab, has confirmed Siltrax’s silicon design delivers double the power output of conventional graphite plates.
The testing also found Siltrax’s bare silicon plates corroded 26 times more slowly than stainless steel and the heat transfer properties were 10 times superior to stainless steel, helping improve performance and extend system lifespan by reducing thermal stress.
“These results far surpassed what we anticipated,” Meyer said. “Silicon’s corrosion performance alone is a significant differentiator.”
“Combined with the power output data, it is clear that ultra-thin silicon plates are a serious contender for next-generation fuel cells.”
UNSW’s Dr Quentin Meyer. left, Laureate Professor Chuan Zhao and Siltrax’s Fred Qi with the ultra-thin silicon-based bipolar plates | Image: UNSW
Fred Qi, director of sales engineering at Siltrax, said the results position silicon as a serious, low-cost alternative to stainless steel and graphite plates that have long constrained fuel cell performance, and signal a significant step forward for the green hydrogen industry.
“This milestone shows what’s possible when world-class Australian research is translated into commercial technology,” he said.
With the research now complete, Siltrax is moving into commercial testing and exploring opportunities internationally.
The company said it will target hard-to-abate sectors that stand to benefit from their higher-performance fuel cells and is already exploring opportunities across Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Americas.
“Australia has the expertise to help lead the emerging hydrogen economy, and our silicon bipolar plate technology is an important step toward bringing Australian-developed innovation to fuel cell manufacturers and hydrogen projects worldwide,” Qi said.
